Darren W. Phelps, Senior Pastor / Founder
Pastor Darren W. Phelps (Pastor Darren) is the senior pastor/ founder. He was licensed to preach at age 15 at Allen AME Church, Queens NY. He was ordained at age 24 at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg VA. At age 25 Pastor Darren was called to the Pastor the Hickory Run Baptist Church, VA. After several years, He was called to pastor the Beverly Manor Baptist Church, VA. In 2008, he founded the Bethel Christian Church, DC with a focus on radical inclusivity – affirmatively welcoming of all people regardless of sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity or expression or economic situation.
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The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries & Disciples of Christ
Bethel Christian Church DC is affiliated with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Yvette Flunder.
Bethel Christian Church DC is also affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.
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Our Presiding Bishop
Bishop Flunder founded the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991 in order to unite a gospel ministry with a social ministry. City of Refuge is a thriving inner-city congregation that celebrates the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. Preaching a message of action, the church has experienced steady numerical and spiritual growth and is now located in the south of Market area of San Francisco at 1025 Howard Street.
A native San Franciscan, Bishop Flunder is a third generation preacher with roots in the Church of God in Christ. She was licensed in the COGIC and later ordained by the Bishop Walter Hawkins of Love Center Ministries where she served as Associate Pastor and administrator for the Oakland-based Love Center Church.
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